Float Like a Butterfly 🦋 Sting Like Me

Rumble, young lady, rumble!

I, with full admission of guilt, went through a “bitter phase” when I truly hated my parents for what they did, what they didn’t do, who they were, what they made me endure, what I missed, what I lost, what they took from me. I was filled with rage. I can call it a phase because it came to an end, made it through. But don’t be deceived by my sweet exterior, I have ice in my veins when I need to.

Today, I listened to Muhammad Ali, the greatest boxer of all time, at his 1964 press conference, delivering his iconic speech and got all riled up by the one and only, Cassius Clay. An interesting idea stirred within me. At first, I thought: Oh, that would be rich. Then: No, don’t do that, that’s downright vindictive. Shame on you, Eleanor Lorene Lowe!

***

Here’s the thing, there is a distinction between justice and vengeance. Writing my book, speaking my truth, telling my story. For me, that is justice. Vengeance is an enticing notion, however, it only causes more pain and the result of vengeance is fleeting. Justice provides an enduring sense of satisfaction, accompanied by a comforting validity that promotes healing.

***

I decided, I’d be a bee 🐝 and write a speech of my own. Why not? What’s wrong with that after all the stings they gave me? Whenever this moment comes it will be a mile marker, a profound event. I never got my trial, but the verdict is in: GUILTY. Their sentence — I’ll write my book, publish it, and send them a signed copy.

***

Inside it’ll say…

Float Like a Butterfly, Sting Like Me

You can’t hit what your hands can’t see

No more excuses!

Look — the stage is set

My words are my weapon

So, when you read

Consider this me throwing a literary right hook

Then, fast as lightning, change it up

Here we go now, watch me dance —

Bob and weave

Gonna do what I do best

Write what I write

My words are gold!

This woman is strong!

You think you’re gonna beat me?! You’re dead wrong!

When I whoop this memory —

Poetic Justice will be served!

Despite what you’ve thrown at me

I dominated, I conquered —

I still became The G.O.A.T. {The Greatest of All Time}. I no longer want nor need you to say, “I’m proud of you.” I learned on my own that proud is not a selfish thing to be. It’s called confidence, that thing you tried to beat out of me.

There’s nothing sweeter than justice and clarity —

You said you didn’t want my love, you wanted my respect. Well, you don’t have either and I know full well, I deserve both!

Without the pain y’all inflicted, I would never have become the woman I am today: independent, opinionated, resilient, and able to say, vulnerability is a strength! My achievements are my own, you lost the right to celebrate them with me! You can never touch me again!

Because NOW — I am FINALLY FREE!!!